Bill Simmons believes Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson’s grip on the No. 1 overall pick may be slipping.
While on the latest podcast for The Ringer alongside Zach Lowe, Simmons said the recent “weirdness” surrounding Peterson’s in-game exits has created doubt among NBA decision-makers who once viewed him as a lock to go first in the 2026 draft.
“I’m not sure Darryn Peterson is gonna go first anymore,” Simmons said. “Which I would have bet anything on two months ago. But there’s just too much weirdness with this Kansas thing with him coming out of games and the cramping and the competitiveness.”
“I’m not sure Darryn Peterson is going to go first anymore.”@BillSimmons and @ZachLowe_NBA discuss if Darryn Peterson’s chances of going first overall in the draft is at risk due to concerns about his competitiveness. pic.twitter.com/ZcDWEZQ00B
— The Ringer (@ringer) February 23, 2026
Peterson has widely projected as the top pick entering the season, but has drawn scrutiny after appearing to remove himself from games. Lowe said he has heard similar confusion from league circles.
“I had so many Darryn Peterson conversations,” Lowe said. “People were like, ‘He literally pointed to Bill Self and was like, come out.’ No one knows what to make of it.”
Simmons questioned whether the issues are physical or competitive, saying teams historically prioritize toughness and reliability above all else. “It’s the No. 1 thing we’ve learned about the NBA in the last 15 years,” Simmons said. “You better have competitive guys.”
He even invoked “Ben Simmons flashbacks,” referencing concerns about drive and engagement that followed the former LSU star into the NBA.
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Simmons added that front offices, wary of risking their jobs on a volatile pick, may gravitate toward a perceived safer option — a physically gifted AJ Dybantsa, who is a high-floor prospect in the mold of Andrew Wiggins. The BYU star is currently neck-and-neck with Peterson for the top pick.
For Peterson, the talent remains undeniable. But as draft season approaches, questions about durability and competitiveness may be complicating what once felt inevitable. Will he slide back and force teams to take a risk?
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